Cycle Puglia

Cycle Puglia

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8 Days From

$1292

Cycle Puglia

8 Days Starting in Alberobello, Italy and ending in Lecce, Italy

Visiting: Alberobello, Ostuni, Manduria, Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca, Otranto, Lecce

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

PUG

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active

Interests:

Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1292

NB: Prices correct on 22-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure through the unspoiled Puglia region of Italy with our "Cycle Puglia" tour. Pedal along the stunning Ionian and Adriatic coasts, marvel at the unique trulli in Alberobello, and explore the ancient cities of Gallipoli and Lecce. Savor local delicacies like olive oil, fresh vegetables, and wine as you journey through picturesque countryside and historic towns. Enjoy 7 nights in charming accommodations, including a trullo in Alberobello and a seaside hotel in Santa Maria di Leuca. With luggage transfers, bike rental, and a digital navigation pack included, this self-guided tour offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Highlights

  • Cycling along the Ionian and Adriatic coasts

  • Viewing typical trulli in Alberobello and the surrounding countryside

  • Discovering the ancient cities of Gallipoli and Lecce

  • Enjoying the local delicacies including olive oil, fresh vegetables and wine

  • Exploring the Puglia region which is largely unspoiled by tourism

Itinerary

tourhub | UTracks | Cycle Puglia | PUG | Route Map

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Day 1 : Arrive Alberobello

Location: Alberobello

Accommodation Name: Hotel or Trullo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Alberobello is known for its trulli, which were generally constructed as dwellings or storehouses. It is situated upon two hills which were once separated by a riverbed. On the eastern hill is the new town, with modern architectural features, and on the western hill, the trulli are lined up in an urban conglomeration subdivided into two districts: Monti and Aia Piccola. Both districts are World Heritage sites. On arrival please make your way to your accommodation.
Please note we cannot guarantee you will stay in a Trullo this evening (it's subject to availability). The alternative is a comfortable hotel in walking distance of the main centre.

Day 2 : Cycle Through The Countryside To Ostuni (45Km/28Mi)

Location: Ostuni

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Ostuni

Meals Included: Breakfast

A fabulous cycle through winding country lanes, past trulli, vineyards and olive groves to Ostuni, an architectural jewel. Crossing the last part of Murge, you will pass through the towns of Martina Franca, Locorotondo and Cisternino before arriving at the white city of Ostuni. The most challenging part is between Locorotondo and Cisternino.
Elevation +460m/1509ft

Day 3 : Cycle To The Manduria Area (60Km/37Mi)

Location: Manduria

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Manduria

Meals Included: Breakfast

The cycle route takes you away from Ostuni and the Murge hills and on to the Salento plain, characterized by green and red colours, given by its olive trees and its red soil. Along the way you will have the chance to visit Oria, with its beautiful historical centre and the castle built by emperor Federico II. Today’s destination is the Manduria area, the capital of the Primitivo grapes.
Elevation +270m/889ft

Day 4 : Cycle To The Ionian Coast And Gallipoli (70Km/43.5Mi)

Location: Gallipoli

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Gallipoli

Meals Included: Breakfast

From now on you will head towards the seaside, which will accompany your bike tour between ancient coastal towers and fine sand. You will now reach Porto Cesareo, where we highly recommend a good fish-based lunch. Rolling south, our destination will be the Greek Kale Polis, today’s Gallipoli, with one of the most beautiful historic centres of Salento. Enjoy a stroll in its streets and the views of the sea that surrounds it. Gallipoli is an ancient Greek city, a fishing town divided into two parts: the new town and the old town, connected by a 17th century bridge to the mainland.
Elevation +70m/230ft

Day 5 : Continue Along The Coast To Santa Maria Di Leuca (50Km/31Mi)

Location: Santa Maria di Leuca

Accommodation Name: Seaside Hotel in Santa Maria di Leuca

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you'll continue cycling along the coast to Santa Maria di Leuca. It is the easiest day of the tour, completely on paved roads and mostly flat with some short ups and downs at the end of the stage. Santa Maria di Leuca was named by ancient Greek sailors: they said it was enlightened by the sun and therefore called it "Leukos", meaning white. Today it is a famous seaside resort and fishing area. There is ample opportunity to swim and relax at the beach in the afternoon.
Elevation +50m/164ft

Day 6 : Cycle Along The Adriatic Coast To Otranto (50Km/31Mi)

Location: Otranto

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Otranto

Meals Included: Breakfast

Another superb day of cycling as you follow the Adriatic coast northwards. The most challenging stretches are a short climb to leave town and a continuous but regular slope after Santa Cesaria Terme. Following the coast road, you'll pass by small towns, impressive grottoes, inlets for swimming and small cafes and soon arrive at Otranto, the most eastern point of Italy. Here you can visit the beautiful Cathedral and the great Aragonese Castle.
Elevation +460m/1509ft

Day 7 : Cycle To Lecce Along The Alimini Lakes (55Km/34Mi)

Location: Lecce

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Lecce

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is an easy stage. Leave lovely Otranto to discover the Alimini Lakes nature reserve, the old hunting ground of the Swabians and the Aragonese. With their unique Mediterranean scrub the area is an important habitat for migratory species such as white storks, flamingoes and cranes. Continue to Lecce which, thanks to its Baroque style, has earned the nickname "Florence of the South". You can appreciate the rich sculpted motifs from the 17th century made with the local stone while exploring its old town, enclosed by what is left of ancient walls.
Elevation +100m/328ft

Day 8 : Trip Concludes

Location: Lecce

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip concludes after breakfast. Lecce is well connected by train with the airports of Bari and Brindisi, or we can assist with booking extra nights' accommodation if you'd like to linger.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights in mainly 3 star hotels

  • 7 breakfasts

    Varied buffet breakfasts are served in each hotel.

  • 7 nights accommodation

    Accommodation in mainly 3 star hotels and a typical trullo in Alberobello (subject to availability) on a twin share basis with private facilities. Upgrade to mainly 4 star hotels available with a supplement.

  • Digital information pack

    Includes route notes, maps, and a navigational app (can be used offline) with GPS tracks. A smartphone is required.

  • Luggage transfer

    1 piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • 27 gear bicycle rental

    Includes puncture resistant tyres, pannier, gel saddle, and helmet. E-bike available on request with a supplement.

  • Bike insurance

    Insurance against theft and damage.

  • Emergency Hotline

    Access to an emergency hotline for assistance.

  • Travel to Alberobello and from Lecce

    Travel arrangements to Alberobello and from Lecce are included.

What's Not Included

  • Meals not listed as included

    Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided cycle tour, so no guide is included.

  • Single room supplement

    A supplement will apply if you book a single room.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees not listed as included are excluded.

  • Transfers

    Transfers not listed as included are excluded.

  • Transfers by taxi or public transport

    If you need to skip a stage, transfers by taxi or public transport are not included.

  • Excess luggage

    A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Handlebar phone holder

    We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the app/GPX files.

  • Pre-tour extension in Matera

    Available on request, includes 1 or 2 nights accommodation with breakfast and transfers.

    Supplement applies.

  • Arrival and departure transfers

    Transfers from Bari or Brindisi airport to Alberobello and from Lecce to Bari or Brindisi are available.

    Supplement applies.

  • Local hotel taxes

    Local hotel taxes, approximately €10-15, payable directly to the hotel.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Items of a personal nature are not included.

Accommodation

7 nights in mainly 3 star hotels. The accommodation chosen is a special feature of the trip. Ranging from an atmospheric trullo in Alberobello (subject to availability) to a cave hotel in Matera (if Matera pre tour option is taken), a seaside hotel in Santa Maria di Leuca with a pool, a historic hotel in Otranto and Ostuni and a modern city hotel in Lecce and Gallipoli. All accommodation is good quality, with private facilities. Breakfasts are included and are buffet style with a range of food available from breads and cakes to cheese, meats and yoghurts, sometimes cereal and eggs.

Grading

This trip involves 6 days cycling with daily distances between 45 and 70km/28 and 43.5mi. The route is mostly in the lowlands, although it is sometimes hilly. You will cycle almost always on asphalt roads. Traffic is almost non-existent in Puglia, except during the high season. The route includes very beautiful stretches along the coast. It requires a reasonable level of fitness to fully participate in this adventure. You need only carry your camera and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

What You Carry

During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

Mode of Transport

Travel to Alberobello and from Lecce. Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage. An arrival transfer from Bari or Brindisi airport to Alberobello is available. A departure transfer from Lecce to Bari or Brindisi is also available. Supplement applies, please ask your consultant for details.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the Cycle Puglia tour?

    You will stay in mainly 3-star hotels, with some unique options such as a trullo in Alberobello (subject to availability) and a cave hotel in Matera if you take the pre-tour option. Other accommodations include a seaside hotel in Santa Maria di Leuca with a pool, historic hotels in Otranto and Ostuni, and modern city hotels in Lecce and Gallipoli. All accommodations are of good quality with private facilities, and breakfast is included.

  • What meals are included in the Cycle Puglia tour?

    The tour includes 7 varied buffet breakfasts served in each hotel. Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included.

  • What kind of support is available during the Cycle Puglia tour?

    The tour provides a digital information pack with route notes, maps, and a navigational app with GPS tracks. Luggage transfer is included, and you will have access to an emergency hotline. Bike insurance against theft and damage is also provided.

  • What kind of bike will I be using on the Cycle Puglia tour?

    You will be provided with a 27-gear bicycle equipped with puncture-resistant tyres, a pannier, a gel saddle, and a helmet. An e-bike is available on request for an additional supplement.

  • Is the Cycle Puglia tour suitable for beginners?

    The tour involves 6 days of cycling with daily distances between 45 and 70 km. The route is mostly in the lowlands but can be hilly at times. It requires a reasonable level of fitness to fully participate. Traffic is almost non-existent in Puglia except during the high season.

  • What should I carry during the cycling days on the Cycle Puglia tour?

    During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

  • Are there any additional costs I should be aware of for the Cycle Puglia tour?

    Additional costs include local hotel taxes (approximately €10-15), meals not listed as included, drinks, travel insurance, entrance fees not listed as included, and transfers not listed as included. A supplement applies if you book a single room or excess luggage. Optional pre-tour extension in Matera and arrival/departure transfers from Bari or Brindisi airport are also available for an additional cost.

  • What is the best way to navigate the route during the Cycle Puglia tour?

    You will receive a digital information pack that includes route notes, maps, and a navigational app with GPS tracks. It is recommended to bring a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the app/GPX files.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

N. Burton(Auckland, New Zealand)  

Cycle Puglia

9 Aug 2023

Excellent fun adventure. Well organised and easy to manage using the informative Ride with GPS app.

A. Kordiuk(Toronto, Canada)  

Cycle Puglia

22 May 2024

Puglia is a great place to visit by bike and they were helpful in setting up the trip! Travelling mostly on small country back roads, it's a wonderful way to explore these small towns.

S. Sheridan(Akron, USA)  

Cycle Puglia

13 Jul 2022

Experiencing Puglia by bicycle was wonderful. A much less touristed part of Italy than most other regions, the roads were overall much quieter and the experience more genuine. The bicycle I received worked well, and the agenda and routing for each day was clear. I appreciated the self-guided nature of the trip to allow each of us to go at our preferred pace.

L. Wiadrowski(North Curl Curl, Australia)  

Cycle Puglia

10 Oct 2023

We loved our recent self guided cycle trip in Puglia. Our E bikes were great, organisation and logistics were well planned. Trip notes were easy to follow and detailed and the route was off the beaten track so limited traffic. Thank you!

A. O'Keefe(Incline Village, United States)  

Cycle Puglia

13 Apr 2024

We like the riding very much. Good for us to be early season, even though there were not many choices to eat lunch we always had snacks with us and did fine. Two of the roads we were supposed to ride were closed due to construction, but we found routes around the closures. Our hotels were all very nice and our guide Sarah in Lecce was excellent. I’m so glad we got to add that tour on with her. Your bikes are in really good condition. Our first briefing was very thorough. Using ride with GPS worked well.

D. Thompson(Saanichton, Canada)  

Cycle Puglia

7 Oct 2023

Wonderful self guided cycle around Puglia, the highlight was the 2 day extension in Matera - incredible site.

L. Kaye(Los Angeles, United States)  

Cycle Puglia

13 Jun 2023

I highly recommend this trip! It exceeded my exceptions and was a trip of a lifetime. I used an e-bike, which made the occasional hills easy to climb. I did the trip during the end of May and early June, when the weather was perfectly warm and it wasn’t crowded. I’m already thinking about my next bike trip :):):)

P. Smull(Minnesota, United States)  

Cycle Puglia

4 Jul 2023

Everything went perfectly! They are the best! This was our 2nd self-guided trip with them and it was as smooth as the first! All details went as described. A word of caution, we did this trip in late June and the sun was intense. As someone with northern European skin type, I sustained sun poisoning on my arms even with 2 coatings of sunblock per ride each day. Another caution is that the 5th day was vastly more challenging than all the others due to endless long hill climbs. An electric bike would have made that day more pleasant but not needed for any of the other days. Thirdly, never place your luggage, in the morning, next to a group of other suitcases, assuming it's the correct place. ALWAYS ask at the reception desk where to place your luggage! It was an absolutely remarkable experience!

J. Flowers(Byron Bay, NSW, Australia)  

Cycle Puglia

31 May 2023

We really enjoyed our cycle Puglia self guided trip. The hotel locations were perfect, scenery fantastic. The route kept us off the main roads. We found finding the starting point each day a little tricky …. But once on the route the app was great. One problem was several areas of road works which required us to navigate detours to get back on route.

G. Rowden(Willetton, Australia)  

Cycle Puglia

7 Nov 2023

The trip was very successful on many fronts - the accommodation was very good, the vista of the area wonderful, the e-bikes very appreciated and Marco was very helpful. The only downside was how late we received our information and some vital pieces of the gps was missing. At the beginning of our trip there was quite a chaotic dispersing of bikes and little information on the workings of the bikes. We teamed up with others riding and they helped out with the downloading of the gps and their company was invaluable throughout the trip.

Read all 34 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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